Peugeot 405

Introduction

The Peugeot 405 is a mid-size family sedan produced between 1987 and 1997 in Europe, and until the 2000s in some international markets. Designed by Pininfarina, it replaced the Peugeot 305 and quickly became one of Peugeot’s most successful models. Known for its elegant design, spacious interior, and refined ride, the 405 won the prestigious European Car of the Year award in 1988. It was offered in sedan and estate versions, with a variety of trims to suit both families and professionals.

Exterior

The Peugeot 405 features a sleek and aerodynamic design typical of late 1980s styling. Its clean lines, slim headlights, and balanced proportions gave it a modern look for its era. The estate version added versatility with increased luggage capacity, while sport trims such as the Mi16 featured distinctive alloy wheels, spoilers, and sportier body styling. Overall, the 405 carried an understated yet timeless appearance.

Interior

Inside, the Peugeot 405 provided a roomy and comfortable cabin with good ergonomics. The dashboard was driver-focused, with clear instrumentation and practical controls. Upholstery ranged from cloth in entry-level versions to premium finishes with leather in higher trims. The estate model offered additional cargo space, while the Mi16 focused on sport-inspired interiors with supportive seating.

Safety Features

For its time, the 405 came well-equipped with safety features. It included seatbelts for all passengers, reinforced crumple zones, and later models offered airbags and ABS brakes. Its well-balanced suspension and chassis contributed to excellent handling stability. While safety standards have advanced significantly since, the 405 was considered one of the safer cars in its category.

Engine Trims

The Peugeot 405 was available with a wide selection of engines, including petrol units ranging from 1.4L to 2.0L, and diesel engines that were highly popular in Europe. Performance versions such as the 405 Mi16 featured a 1.9L petrol engine delivering up to 160 hp, while the T16 (Turbo 16) variant was equipped with all-wheel drive and turbocharging for rally-inspired performance. Transmission options included manual and automatic.

Maintenance

The 405 is known for being reliable when maintained properly. Regular servicing includes oil changes, brake system checks, and suspension care. Diesel models are particularly durable, often running hundreds of thousands of kilometers with proper upkeep. Parts remain available in many markets due to its popularity, making the 405 a cost-effective long-term car.

Competitors

The Peugeot 405 competed with cars such as the Ford Sierra, Opel Vectra, Volkswagen Passat, and Renault 21. While some rivals offered more cutting-edge technology, the 405 stood out for its elegant design, comfort, and excellent ride quality. The Mi16 and T16 versions further enhanced its appeal by offering sporty performance to rival hot sedans of the era.